### Common Questions About Feeding Your Baby and Their Answers **How to Choose a Formula?** Your pediatrician may recommend a formula, or you might get one from the hospital. If there are no known milk or soy allergies, a milk-based formula is usually suggested. **When to Change Formulas?** If your baby has a rash, or you notice blood or mucus in their diaper, consult your pediatrician as these could be signs of a milk-protein allergy. Fussiness, frequent spit-ups, or reflux symptoms might also indicate the need for a formula change. **How to Switch Formulas?** For serious symptoms like blood in the stool, switch immediately. For milder symptoms like a rash or fussiness, a gradual switch is recommended. Your pediatrician will guide you. **Is Colic More Likely with Formula?** Colic can occur in both breast- and bottle-fed babies, usually within the first 3 months. **How Much to Feed?** In the first 2 months, formula-fed babies typically drink 2-3 ounces every 3-4 hours. By 4-6 months, they drink about 6 ounces, and by 6-8 months, up to 8 ounces. Consult your pediatrician to ensure proper weight gain. **Feeding Tips** Hold your baby upright, don't prop the bottle, and ensure the nipple is filled with milk. Mix formula as per instructions and avoid microwaving. Warm bottles by running warm water over them or using a bottle warmer. **Burping Your Baby** Full-term babies may only need to burp after finishing their bottle. Premature babies might need to burp more frequently. Hold your baby upright or in a sitting position and gently pat their back. **Adding Rice Cereal** Only add rice cereal to formula if advised by your pediatrician, usually for reflux. Normally, start feeding rice cereal by spoon at 4 months. **Store Brand Formula** Consult your pediatrician to ensure the store brand is equivalent to your current formula. **Switching to Milk** Use formula for the first year. At the 1-year check-up, discuss with your pediatrician about switching to whole milk, soy milk, or nut-based milk. In some cases, 2% milk may be recommended.